Abstract: Devices and related methods are disclosed for redirecting gravel, sand or other loads of a dump truck upon discharge from the dump truck. For example, a dump truck load diverter is disclosed which includes a diverter body having a tetrahedral-esque form factor defined by four primary faces and a plurality of chamfer faces, the four primary faces consisting of a primary diverting face, a pair of secondary diverting faces and a base face, the pair of secondary diverting faces being arranged perpendicularly to each other and to the base face. The diverter body may be sized relative to a bed of a dump truck to obstruct a substantial portion of a dump passage area when positioned in one of a plurality of load spreading configurations.

Abstract: An emergency egress system for a multi-passenger vehicle such as a school bus (10) includes a housing (30) that operatively supports a ramp (34) in movable connection therewith. Opening an emergency exit door (18) of the bus causes a housing door (24) to open and the ramp to move outwardly from a retracted position toward an extended position. Opening the emergency exit door also causes the suspension of the bus to be automatically lowered to place the emergency exit opening (16) closer to the ground (166).

Abstract: A door system for a doorway to a gas-tight chamber includes a door panel that selectively moves between a closed position for sealing a doorway of a chamber and an open position for permitting access to an interior of the chamber through the doorway. The door panel has an inner side generally facing the interior of the chamber when the door panel is in the closed position. A door panel track is connected to the inner side of the door panel. The door panel track selectively cooperates with an interior track of the chamber to facilitate movement of a cart between the door panel to the interior of the chamber.

Abstract: A pipe laying machine for laying a pipe in a trench, includes a first self-propelled chassis (10) on which a driver's cab (11) and powertrain (12) are located, a beam (20) connected at a first end (20a) to the chassis and which extends laterally therefrom, a second moving chassis (30) connected at a second end (20b) of the beam and a guiding and supporting element (40) of a pipe, sliding on the beam toward and away from the self-propelled chassis, in which the self-propelled chassis can travel on a track (P) at the edge of the trench, the moving chassis (30) can travel on the bottom of the trench, and the guiding and supporting element can translate to carry the pipe to the trench so that by moving the machine forward along a direction of forward movement the cantilevered portion of pipe is laid on the bottom of the trench.

Abstract: A safety strap device that reduces the likelihood that a tailgate ramp will prematurely detach or disengage from a vehicle during the loading or unloading of an article via the tailgate ramp. The safety strap device includes -a strap portion with a first end, an opposing second end, a block portion with an opening therein and more than one fastener for attaching the strap portion to both a prior art tailgate ramp on one end and the block portion on the other end. The safety strap device may also be adjustable to accommodate a wide variety or user applications, truck ramps and vehicles.

Abstract: A concrete dispensing chute extension device for facilitating the pouring of concrete attaches to an end portion of a concrete truck chute and comprises a funnel-shaped lower opening having a cylindrical flexible chute extending directly downward. Concrete is poured down the chute and into the device, the device is directed straight downward into a concrete form. Utilization of the device reduces the impact of the concrete against the sides of the form and the incidents of the form capsizing.

Abstract: A multi-section chute of a type suitable for directing mixed concrete compositions from a discharge end of a transit concrete mixer truck to a desired receiving location. The chute includes a plurality of elongate chute sections, each having a wall with a low friction concave inter-surface configuration and a convex outer configuration wherein each chute section includes a pair of longitudinal channel shapes along and integral to longitudinal edges of the wall and a central longitudinal rib, the channel shapes and the rib re-enforcing the chute section against longitudinal bending, and a fastening assembly for removably joining the plurality of chute sections together in a consecutive longitudinal arrangement and wherein the plurality of elongate chute sections further comprise cooperating nesting configurations that enable formation of a compact stable interconnecting nesting storage arrangement.

Abstract: A multi-section chute of a type suitable for directing mixed concrete compositions from a discharge end of a transit concrete mixer truck to a desired receiving location. The chute includes a plurality of elongate chute sections, each having a wall with a low friction concave inter-surface configuration and a convex outer configuration wherein each chute section includes a pair of longitudinal channel shapes along and integral to longitudinal edges of the wall and a central longitudinal rib, the channel shapes and the rib re-enforcing the chute section against longitudinal bending, and a fastening assembly for removably joining the plurality of chute sections together in a consecutive longitudinal arrangement and wherein the plurality of elongate chute sections further comprise cooperating nesting configurations that enable formation of a compact stable interconnecting nesting storage arrangement.

Abstract: A modular wear panel system for a chute assembly associated with a vibratory screening apparatus is formed with a rigid backing member that has one or more mounting clips affixed thereto. The frame of the chute assembly is formed with transversely extending angle iron members and U-shaped channels that are arranged for engagement by the mounting clips for support thereof. The mounting panels are removable from the frame supports without requiring the use of tools to permit a single person to easily change or replace panel members. Blending gates can be formed in a chute floor by removing and reversing a panel member for positioning in opposition to the flow path of material along the chute floor. The panels are formed in common, interchangeable sizes to permit panels having little wear to be switched with other panels that are subjected to a large amount of wear.

Abstract: A multi-section chute of a type suitable for directing mixed concrete compositions from a discharge end of a transit concrete mixer truck to a desired receiving location. The chute includes a plurality of elongate chute sections, each having a wall with a low friction concave inter-surface configuration and a convex outer configuration wherein each chute section includes a pair of longitudinal channel shapes along and integral to longitudinal edges of the wall and a central longitudinal rib, the channel shapes and the rib re-enforcing the chute section against longitudinal bending, and a fastening assembly for removably joining the plurality of chute sections together in a consecutive longitudinal arrangement and wherein the plurality of elongate chute sections further comprise cooperating nesting configurations that enable formation of a compact stable interconnecting nesting storage arrangement.

Abstract: An inflatable evacuation slide system includes a slide pack that is ejected from its enclosure by means of an ejection bag, which inflates rapidly to force the evacuation slide out of the enclosure. The high accelerations imposed on the uninflated evacuation slide by the ejection bag make the slide prone to tearing on the edge of the fuselage as the slide pack is forced through the opening. Accordingly, the enclosure is provided with a chafing skirt, which comprises a flexible collar that deploys outward from the enclosure and lays flat against the aircraft fuselage to provide a smooth transition region between the enclosure and the aircraft skin.

Abstract: A livestock loading chute is suitable for attachment to the rear frame of any dock loading livestock trailer to permit either dock loading or ground loading of livestock. The livestock loading chute includes an upper chute section, attached to the rear frame of the trailer, and a lower chute section, which is supported by the upper chute section. The upper chute section, which is aligned with the trailer's roll-up door, contains an upper chute section ramp adjustable between a horizontal position for dock loading and an inclined position for use in conjunction with the lower chute section for ground loading.

Abstract: An inflatable evacuation slide includes a flexible slide surface that is supported by longitudinal main support members. Illumination of the slide surface is provided by a plurality of illumination sources that are supported above the upper surface of the main support members on inflatable stanchions that extend upward from the upper surface of the main support members. The plurality of illumination sources may be high efficiency light emitting diodes or other high efficiency light sources. By providing an illumination source that is elevated above the upper surface of the main support members, a greater portion of the slide surface can be illuminated without shadows.

Abstract: A light weight but strong extension chute for discharging concrete from a concrete transportation vehicle or a cement mix plant. An extension concrete chute comprising a chute assembly including a frame having a first end and a second end, with each end including an arcuate end angle member maintained in a spaced apart relationship by a pair of chute rails attached to each end angle member. The chute assembly also includes a chute skin mounted within the frame and attached to each chute rail and each end angle member, wherein the chute assembly defines a longitudinally elongated concave chute. A removable aligner is mounted within the chute assembly adjacent to the chute skin. Each chute rail is provided with a hook mounted on each chute rail proximate the second end of the chute assembly and a bracket assembly mounted on each chute rail proximate the first end of the chute assembly. The chute rails are configured to releaseably engage and support the liner.

Abstract: A light weight but strong extension chute for discharging concrete from a concrete transportation vehicle or a cement mix plant. An extension concrete chute comprising a chute assembly including a frame having a first end and a second end, with each end including an arcuate end angle member maintained in a spaced apart relationship by a pair of chute rails attached to each end angle member. The chute assembly also includes a chute skin mounted within the frame and attached to each chute rail and each end angle member, wherein the chute assembly defines a longitudinally elongated concave chute. A removable liner is mounted within the chute assembly adjacent to the chute skin. Each chute rail is provided with a hook mounted on each chute rail proximate the second end of the chute assembly and a bracket assembly mounted on each chute rail proximate the first end of the chute assembly.

Abstract: A concrete chute apparatus for preventing the accidental discharge of cement residue from the chute of a cement truck while the truck is moving is disclosed. To attain this, an abutment plate obstructs the opening of a cement truck caused by the folding of an articulated chute. In an embodiment, an abutment plate is rigidly affixed to an over-chute section of the articulated chute such that the plate obscures the concrete path when the over-chute section is rotated to the up position.

Abstract: A concrete chute is extruded in two sections for permitting a light weight chute to be constructed wherein the sections are welded together and reinforced with a bottom stiffener for ensuring stability of the chute. A liner is designed to be installed from a distal or front end of the chute for facilitating the insertion and removal of the liner. The liner fits within an extruded slide disposed along the edges of the chute and is secured to the distal end of the chute by a liner retainer to ensure that concrete does not seep between the liner and the chute. An extruded pin retainer is provided that is positioned on a proximal end of the chute for enabling attachment of the chute to a cement truck or to the distal end of an adjacent chute during use in dispensing concrete from the truck.

Abstract: The spacing device mounted to a two-section chute system prevents inadvertent contact between the two chute sections. The spacing device includes a mounting flange and a blocking member positionable between first and second pivotally attached chute sections of a concrete mixing truck. The first chute section comprises an annular flange that is configured to contact an arcuate edge of the second chute section. The mounting flange is connected to a second end of the first chute section and the blocking member is attached to the mounting flange. The blocking member comprises a contact surface that is configured to engage a portion of the arcuate edge of the second chute section when the spacing device is in a blocking position. In the blocking position, the spacing device holds the first and second chute sections in a partially open position to prevent unintended contact between the chute sections.

Abstract: A concrete chute with liner includes a chute, a pair of rail tubes, a front flange, a rear flange, and a slide-in liner. A single rail tube is attached to each side of the chute. A front flange is attached to a front end of the chute. A rear flange is attached to a rear end of the chute. Each rail tube has an outstanding lip on one side thereof. The inside of the outstanding lip is sized to receive the thickness of the slide-in liner. The slide-in liner is installed by pushing thereof into the outstanding lips and sliding the liner down the length of the chute until thereof stops against a pair of hooks which are attached to the inside of each rail tube at a front thereof. A hook mount is attached to a top of each rail tube at a rear thereof. The hooks and hook mounts allow at least two concrete chutes with a liner to be attached in series.

Abstract: This chute comprises a first section and a second section having its inner end portion pivotally connected to the outer end portion of the first section in a manner that allows the second section to be pivoted from a folded position into a position of alignment with the first section. A releasable interference device blocks the second chute section from entering into its position of alignment when the second section is pivoted from its folded position into an intermediate position near its position of alignment. This interference device comprises a blocking member pivotally mounted on the inner end portion of the second chute section and comprising an impact head that is normally positioned in a blocking position between the inner end portion of the second chute section and the outer end portion of the first chute section when the second chute section enters its intermediate position. A spring biases the impact head into its blocking position.

Abstract: A ramp weight-reducing assembly which reduces the weight of a ramp manually lifted up to the working surface of a vehicle bed by an operator to then couple the ramp with the bed to maintain the ramp in load-bearing position. The assembly is simple in design, easy to manufacture and low in cost which will allow the manufacturer to offer the assembly to the majority of ramp users at a minimal price. The ramp weight-reducing assembly includes a ramp and a ramp connector, modified to accept a weight-reducing spring assembly between the ramp and ramp connector legs. The spring assembly includes a piston rod coupled to the ramp having a stop, inserted into a main compression spring which is then inserted into a hole in a support bar that spans the two connector legs running parallel to each other. The spring assembly also includes two supplemental springs attached to plates between the ramp and ramp connector. The springs cooperate to reduce the weight lifted by an operator raising or lowering the ramp.

Abstract: A fire truck having a flat bed includes a conveyor system for loading a number of interchangeable firefighting modules onto the bed. The conveyor system comprises a frame carrying a number of rollers or casters which allow the units to be easily slid on and off the bed. A pneumatic, hydraulic, electric, or mechanical mechanism is provided for raising and lowering the roller frame to engage or disengage the flat bottoms of the firefighting modules. Among the various modules disclosed are a hose module having fold-down chutes which lay the hose out alongside the truck as the truck moves ahead, and a tank module, which is coupled by quick-connect hoses to the intake and discharge lines of a pump carried in the truck bed. The intake and discharge lines of the pump may double as chassis rails for the truck. Also disclosed is a ladder carrier device which pivots downwardly and rearwardly to let the ladder slide down under its own weight after a sufficient length of the ladder has been pulled.

Abstract: An article unloading system for unloading articles from an article rack includes a pair of unloading ramps which are removably and pivotably attached to the rack beneath an upper article slot in the rack. The ramps are connected by a cross-member which is connected to a jack. A workman's platform is also removably attachable to the rack below the connection point of the ramps, and the jack is connected between the ramps and the platform. An article is slid from the upper article slot onto the ramps and latched into place. The ramps are then lowered via the jack to a position in which the article can be easily reached, the latch is remotely released and the article is off-loaded. The article rack can be a specialized rack with multiple stacked slots for carrying pickup truck covers and the articles to be unloaded can be pickup truck covers from upper slots within the rack.

Abstract: Apparatus for protecting the chute of a mixer truck from impact and wear. The apparatus includes a liner having a liner wall positionable over the chute. The liner is attached only at its upper end to the chute with the remainder of the liner being unattached and depending from the liner wall upper end. The liner is of unitary, molded plastic construction.

Abstract: A safety valve which prevents the discharge chute from rapidly falling due to a sudden loss of hydraulic fluid pressure. The valve is located between the chute lift cylinder port and hydraulic system hose. The valve is actuated when the flow leaving the chute lift cylinder exceeds a predetermined flow. The valve immediately stops the hydraulic fluid from leaving the chute lift cylinder maintaining the position of the discharge chute.

Abstract: An improved discharge chute assembly for use with a concrete mixing truck includes improved chute components which are fabricated from a fiberglass reinforced polyurethane structural frame possessing necessary flexural and impact properties and a polyurethane liner possessing necessary wear resistance and hardness. The polymeric materials tends to remain smooth during wear and permit chutes according to the invention to be manufactured much lighter than those heretofore known.

Abstract: A linear extendable telescopic chute (10) pivotally mounted on a cement mixer truck (12) by a chute attachment structure (20). Chute (10) includes a first chute section (40) and a plurality of telescopically fitted movable chute sections (74, 76) structured of elongated open frames (78) having liners (86) removably affixed in the bottom interior of each open frame (78). Guide and support rails (70, 84) movably connecting one chute section to another are also preferably readily removable from the chute sections (40, 74, 76) for ease of replacement when worn. Inward and outward movement of the chute sections (40, 74, 76) relative to each other, is power operated through the use of multiple double-acting hydraulic rams (94 or 133) arranged to eliminate the need for long flexible hydraulic hoses.

Abstract: An adjustable high discharge stub chute is mounted on a concrete hauling and discharge vehicle to allow discharge into a hopper or the like which is too high for access by the conventional discharge chute. The high discharge stub chute is hydraulically operated to provide a range of selected discharge positions and a lower inoperative storage position, the latter position being one in which the stub chute is completely out of the path of a conventional discharge chute of the swing-away type.

Abstract: A dispensing chute comprised of a plurality of slidable telescopically fitted sections for conveying materials from the discharge end of a drum of a mixer truck to a point remote from the vehicle. The chute sections are structured of interlocking open metal frames having replaceable plastic liners removably affixed in the interior of each frame. Dovetail shaped guide and support tracks connecting one chute section to another are also individually removable from the chute section. One end of each chute section has removable flexible wipers which scrape clean the surface of the next chute during the retraction mode. Retraction and extension of the chute sections relative to each other is power operated through the use of attached hydraulic rams controllable through switching to actuate electric solenoid valves.

Abstract: A bale discharge apparatus for use in guiding each of a plurality of bales of crop material between a bale forming chamber of a baler and the ground includes a bale turning assembly for turning each bale onto one of the lateral sides as the bale is delivered from the bale forming chamber. A table is provided for receiving each turned bale after the bale has been turned onto one of the lateral sides by the bale turning assembly, and the table is supported beneath the bale turning assembly at a height adapted to position the turned bale at least partially within the path of the next delivered bale so that the front end of the next delivered bale engages the rear end of the turned bale and pushes the turned bale from the table onto the ground. A method of guiding each of a plurality of bales of material between the bale forming chamber and the ground as each of the bales is delivered from the bale forming chamber is also disclosed.

Abstract: An unloading spout for grain trucks includes two spout wings each hinged to the rear wall of a grain truck on opposite sides of its unloading port, and two spout floors each hinged on outward edges to a bottom edge of one of the wings. The loading spout is held in operable position by bolting overlapping inward edges of the floors to each other. When not in use, the grain spout is stowed by unbolting the floors, folding them into parallel relation to the wings, and folding the wings into parallel relation with the truck wall. The wings and floors are then fastened to the truck wall in stowed condition.

Abstract: A transfer bridge for bridging across railroad tracks. The transfer bridge includes a bridge plate that can be pivoted from a vertical rest position into a horizontal operative position, in which the free end of the bridge plate rests upon a platform next to the tracks. In addition, a travel mechanism that is movable parallel to the tracks is associated with the bridge. In order to achieve a simplified and smaller construction for the travel mechanism, the latter is provided with an upwardly extending boom that is held in a guide rail to keep it from tilting.

Abstract: A filling attachment for an auger comprises a hollow body providing a tubular section which can surround the feed end of the auger and an open mouth section which extends away from the tubular section. A conduit in the form of a plurality of inter-engaging hollow tubular buckets includes a member for connection to the tailgate of a truck and arranged so that the lowermost bucket projects into the open mouth section of the hollow body. The buckets and the hollow body can be interconnected by strapping which cooperates with press studs on the outer surface of the bucket and the rim of the mouth section. The tubular section includes stepped cylindrical portions for cooperation with auger tubes of different diameter.

Abstract: A device attachable upon a dump truck bed for dividing a load being dumped. The device including a unit that is shaped like two adjacent sides of a pyramid, and an anchoring means along a lower edge of the two sides for securement near a rear end of the truck bed in a position so that the two walls spread apart rearwardly prow-like from a forward connected edges.

Abstract: A removable grain chute is provided with an integral unitary attachment member adapted for removably attaching the chute to the bottom edge of a truck body or box. The attachment member includes an upwardly turned lip at the end of a rigid extension of the chute which is adapted to engage the side frame of the truck body and the bottom edge of the sideboard for supporting the chute in position under the grain gate of the truck body.

Abstract: An improved quarter-turn hay bale chute which prevents skewing and bounce of the bale as it hits the ground. An adjustable flap is set to narrow the lowest portion of the bale "drop window" so that the fully turned bale is restricted in its lateral movement and prevented from dropping out of line with the direction of motion of the hay baler. The restriction formed between the adjustable flap and the deflector also serves as a brake to slow the free fall of the bale and thus decreases bouncing which is a further cause of misalignment.

Abstract: An improved grain discharge chute for a hopper type grain wagon is attached to the wagon adjacent the side discharge door. The grain chute pivots between a side discharge position and a bottom discharge position. When in the side discharge position, the grain chute guides the grain from the hopper discharge door outwardly from the side of the wagon. The chute may be pivoted to a second position wherein grain discharged from the side door is diverted downwardly and inwardly beneath the wagon by the chute.

Abstract: Loading ramps for a truck having stake rack pockets are dimensioned to extend between adapters registerable with the pockets for non-use storage in a position where they function as side racks or vertical extensions thereof. The ramps are provided with a unique coupling means for engagement with the truck tail gate when in use.

Abstract: A feed box includes a chamber defined by oppositely positioned downwardly and inwardly sloping end walls, a vertical side wall and a bottom wall extending downwardly and laterally across said box to the vertical side wall. The vertical side wall may have a slight laterally inward slope to it. A discharge opening is provided in the bottom wall adjacent the vertical side wall and a spout is positioned under the bottom wall opening to direct material flowing from the chamber back towards the longitudinal centerline of the box. The vertical side wall also includes a discharge opening at its lower end and a spout is provided to receive material from the box chamber for directing it laterally away from the box in the opposite direction from the spout associated with the bottom wall opening. Closure gates are provided for each of the discharge openings in the bottom wall and side wall.

Abstract: A gravity type box for a farm wagon, in which the box has a single opening and provides either side or center delivery of flowable material from the box. The opening in the box is in a lower portion thereof and is closed by a sliding door. Two chutes are attached to the box adjacent the opening. The chutes are arranged so that grain flowing from the box through the opening is discharged from either one of the chutes. One chute is adapted to discharge flowable material from the box toward a position below the box, and the other chute is adapted to discharge flowable material from the box to a position at the side of the box.